Simulated hunting devices and methods

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to simulated hunting devices and methods, and in particular to an accessory for a real or toy firearm that provides a simulated hunting experience in a real hunting environment. A hunting simulation accessory can be attached to a real or toy firearm, such as by attaching the accessory to an accessory rail along the barrel of the firearm. The simulation accessory provides audio and visual responses to the user to simulate a hunting experience, even when no live ammunition is fired.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A hunting simulation accessory, comprising:
 a housing that attaches to a functional or non-functional firearm having a trigger, wherein the housing is removable from the firearm; 
 a sensor activated by said trigger to generate a trigger signal; 
 a photodetector supported by the housing and generating a detector signal in response to reflected light entering an opening in the housing; 
 a display screen supported by the housing; 
 a user input on the housing or the display screen; and 
 a processor supported by the housing and configured to receive the trigger signal, provide a first feedback to a user in response to receipt of the trigger signal, activate a timer in response to receipt of the trigger signal, determine whether the detector signal from the photodetector is received within a time limit, and indicate to the user a hit shot based on the determination that the detector signal is received within the time limit or a missed shot based on the determination that the detector signal is not received within the time limit, 
 wherein indicating a hit shot includes providing a second feedback to the user, different from the first feedback, wherein the second feedback comprises a video, 
 wherein indicating a missed shot includes withholding the second feedback, and 
 wherein the processor is configured to receive from the user, via the user input, a selection of a type of animal to be hunted, and wherein the video corresponds to the user selection. 
 
     
     
       2. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , further comprising an audio speaker, and wherein the first feedback comprises a sound played on the audio speaker. 
     
     
       3. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 2 , wherein the sound comprises a first firearm discharge sound, and wherein the second feedback comprises a second sound louder than the first firearm discharge sound. 
     
     
       4. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the video comprises a pre-stored video of the selected type of animal, displayed on the display screen. 
     
     
       5. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , further comprising a cable electrically connecting the sensor to the housing. 
     
     
       6. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor, a mechanical switch, or an optical sensor. 
     
     
       7. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen comprises a touch screen. 
     
     
       8. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , further comprising a vibrator, and wherein the second feedback comprises a vibration response from the vibrator. 
     
     
       9. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , further comprising an external data port on the housing, and wherein the processor is further configured to receive data files through the external data port. 
     
     
       10. A method for simulating a hunting experience, comprising:
 receiving, at a hunting accessory, a trigger signal from activation of a trigger of a functional or non-functional firearm from which the hunting accessory is removable; 
 in response to receipt of the trigger signal, generating, at the hunting accessory, a first feedback comprising a first audible, visual, or tactile response; 
 in response to receipt of the trigger signal, activating, at the hunting accessory, a timer with a time limit; 
 detecting incoming light at a photodetector of the hunting accessory and generating a detector signal in response; 
 determining, at the hunting accessory, whether the detector signal is received within the time limit; 
 upon determining that the detector signal is received within the time limit, indicating to the user a hit shot, by generating, at the hunting accessory, a second feedback comprising a second audible, visual, or tactile response different from the first feedback; and 
 upon determining that the detector signal is not received within the time limit, indicating to the user a missed shot by withholding the second feedback, 
 further comprising receiving, at the hunting accessory, a user selection of a type of animal to be hunted and wherein generating the second feedback comprises providing a sound, an image, or a video that corresponds to the user selection. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the user selection comprises a type of animal to be hunted, and wherein generating the second feedback comprises displaying a video comprising the type of animal selected. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein generating the second feedback comprises vibrating a vibrator mechanism to provide a tactile response. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein generating the first feedback comprises playing a first firearm discharge sound, and wherein generating the second feedback further comprises playing a second sound louder than the first firearm discharge sound. 
     
     
       14. The hunting simulation accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is integrated with a scope.